Perchloethylene (PCE)

Perchloroethylene (PCE) -- PCE is a chemical associated with dry-cleaners and is often found in soil and groundwater near dry-cleaning sites. Affected soils are usually confined to a small area around the original spill. In groundwater, PCE can persist for decades and travel in plumes underground. Micro-organisms in soil and groundwater can slowly break down PCE over time. Health hazards associated with PCE include liver and kidney damage, and can possibly lead to cancer.

Perchloroethylene is a colorless, nonflammable liquid with a sweet, ether-like odor. It is also called perchlorethylene, tetrachloroethylene, tetrachlorethylene, PCE, or PERC. The chemical formula for perchloroethylene is C2Cl4.

Perchloroethylene is a manufactured chemical that is primarily used for dry cleaning fabrics and degreasing metals. It is also used to make other chemicals, including chlorofluorocarbons, and rubber coatings; as an insulating fluid and cooling gas in electrical transformers; and as a scouring, sizing, and desizing agent in textiles. It is an ingredient in aerosol products, solvent soaps, printing inks, adhesives, sealants, paint removers, paper coatings, leather treatments, automotive cleaners, polishes, lubricants, and silicones. It is also an ingredient in some consumer products, including typewriter correction fluid, adhesives, spot removers, wood cleaners, and shoe polish.

Short-term exposure to high levels of perchloroethylene can affect the central nervous system, and cause unconsciousness and death.

Perchloroethylene is listed as a substance "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" in the Eleventh Report on Carcinogens published by the National Toxicology Program because long-term exposure to perchloroethylene can cause leukemia and cancer of the skin, colon, lung, larynx, bladder, and urogenital tract.

Long-term exposure may also damage the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys; it can also cause respiratory failure, memory loss, confusion, and dry and cracked skin. If you are pregnant, long-term exposure to perchloroethylene may damage a developing fetus.

Short-term exposure to high levels of perchloroethylene can cause buildup of fluid in the lungs, eye and respiratory irritation, severe shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, sleepiness, confusion, difficulty speaking and walking, and lightheadedness.